Dr Leah personally recommends a less painful and more sustainable approach to hair removal
5 November 2015
I am sure you will agree that when it comes to personal grooming, hair removal can be a tedious, time consuming and - in some cases - even painful task.
If you prefer to be hair-free then this month’s column may be of interest to you as we go on to explore the various types of hair removal that are on offer in today’s market.
It’s no surprise that shaving is currently the most popular way to remove hair, as it’s economical and easy to do by your self at home.
However there are several downsides to shaving. Ingrowing hairs, stubble, itchiness and skin irritation are all common side effects that come with harsh razor use and is also true of hair removal creams.
Both of these conventional methods simply cut the hair from the shaft, leaving a sharp edge to the hair and causing topical irritation.
Shaving
If shaving is, however, your preferred hair removal methods then here are a few tips to try to help you reduce the irritation and itchy regrowth in order to achieve a smoother shave:
• No matter how much of a hurry you may be in, skip the temptation to shave "dry." Lather up your legs with a moisturizing shaving cream to make sure that the razor glides easily over your skin, and you'll avoid nicks and cuts
• To calm your skin after you are done, rinse your skin with tepid water and pat dry with a cloth. Immediately after you shave, you should apply a calming cream or shaving balm that contains vitamins A, C and E as well as Aloe Vera to soothe the burn and nourish your skin
• Invest in a four or five bladed razor - as single blades are more likely to drag against the skin. Also remember to replace your razor regularly as old blades are not only ineffective, but are more likely to cause bumps, redness and can trap bacteria which can potentially cause infections
Waxing
If you have a high pain threshold then waxing is a good alternative to shaving.
Waxing removes hair directly from the root so it has longer lasting results than shaving, with regrowth normally taking at least 3-6 weeks with reduced chance of ingrowing hair. But this method is sore and can cause tightness underneath the skin.
The hairs also need to be of a certain length in order to be waxed, meaning weeks of putting up with unsightly stubble and noticeable hairs. However in recent years the return of hot wax and new formulas has produced less painful waxing sessions.
If waxing is your preferred hair removal method then my advice would be to visit an experienced waxing therapist, as technique is key to a good end result!
Laser removal
I personally would recommend a less painful and more sustainable approach to hair removal. Which is why upon opening my cosmetic clinic in the heart of London, I decided to offer the Soprano ICE laser hair reduction.
This innovative machine is FDA approved to be used on all skin types and offers pain-free hair removal with no downtime whilst providing maximum results.
The treatment works using an 810nm Diode laser, which destroys the bulb of the hair preventing it from growing back. As hair growth follows a cycle, multiple sessions are needed to ensure we are destroying each follicle in its ‘anogen’ phase and when the hair is still attached to the bulb.
Usually a recommended 6-8 sessions is required at 4-6 weeks apart with some people requiring ‘top up sessions' later down the line. You also don’t have to worry about letting the hair grow, as shaving is required in between your laser sessions.
On completion of your course of treatment, you should notice a reduction of between 80-90% of hair growth - with any remaining hairs becoming significantly softer and more sparse than before.
Men's hair removal
Contrary to common belief, removing unwanted body hair is not just for women.
There has been a noticeable influx in male grooming, particularly within our clinic and within the industry as a whole.
Best razors and electric shavers - in pictures
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Men are increasingly opting for pain free laser hair removal as their preferred choice of hair removal.
If you are looking for pain-free and permanent hair reduction - Soprano ICE is the perfect choice for you. I would always recommend visiting a certified and experienced laser expert.
Here at my Moorgate clinic we are proud to be able to offer the leading hair removal technology which is always performed by experienced laser practitioners.
This month Dr Leah Clinic, Moorgate are offering 15% off all courses of laser hair removal. For further details, please visit drleah.co.uk
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